The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee Brian Stanley has announced his resignation from Sinn Féin.

After 40 years of service to the party, the Laois Offaly TD said his departure was due to an unfair internal inquiry into a complaint made against him.

In a statement, Deputy Stanley said the process lacked objectivity, was seriously flawed and was devoid of impartiality.

He will continue working as an Independent TD going forward.

Brian Stanley on the canvas trail in Portlaoise. Picture: Alf Harvey.

Aontú's Peadar Tóibín, who himself resigned from Sinn Féin, said the rate of attrition among its parliamentary party was unprecedented.

"Five TDs have resigned from Sinn Féin in six years," he said.

"I can't think of any opposition party that has shed TDs a such a rate before. This is what happens when you don't stand for anything."

Main image: Brian Stanley TD. Picture by: RollingNews